Final answer:
The location and size of warehouses can greatly impact the performance of a firm like IKEA in terms of transportation costs, delivery times, inventory management, and product offerings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The location and size of warehouses can greatly affect the performance of a firm like IKEA. Firstly, the location of warehouses determines their proximity to suppliers and customers, which impacts transportation costs and delivery times. For example, having warehouses located strategically close to key markets can reduce transportation costs and enable faster order fulfillment. Secondly, the size of warehouses influences the firm's storage capacity and ability to manage inventory efficiently. A larger warehouse can accommodate more products, allowing the firm to carry a wider range of items and maintain higher inventory levels to meet customer demand. Conversely, a smaller warehouse may limit the firm's product offerings and require more frequent stock replenishment.